Over 50 and Considering Divorce? What Floridians Need to Know
If you’re thinking about divorce and you’re 50 or older, there are a number of things that are essential for you to consider before you go through with it.
Late life divorce isn’t easy for anyone, but if you go into it armed with all the knowledge you can acquire, you’ll be better prepared for the road ahead.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Your Emotional Health May Suffer
Divorce is tough on people of all ages, but it can be even tougher for people age 50 and up for several reasons.
If you’ve lived with your spouse for decades, it can be harder to adjust to living alone and feelings of loneliness. You may miss the companionship your spouse provided in social situations. Simply put, there’s a co-dependence that tends to develop over such a long period of time, and most people find they need to work hard to overcome it.
That being said, it can be done. Give yourself time for your emotions to heal and time to adjust to all the changes. Many people come out stronger and feel better about themselves on the other side of their divorce.
Your Career May Be Affected
If one spouse has been out of the workforce for a while, re-entering it can be more challenging as an older adult.
Even if you are able to secure a job, it may not pay as much as you like. Consult with a career counselor to determine your strengths and possibly pursue educational opportunities before applying for jobs. Remember, an alimony payment can go toward educational costs.
Your Finances Will Be Impacted
Divorce often comes with a steeper price tag than you may expect. Even if you have an amicable situation, you can expect to spend thousands. Your financial situation may be trickier than one for a younger couple because you have fewer years to recover from financial losses.
It’s best to speak with a qualified Florida divorce attorney as soon as possible to know how your finances will be impacted. The more you prepare for a meeting with a lawyer, the lower your consultation costs will be. Gather all relevant financial paperwork pertaining to bank, savings, credit, investments, and retirement accounts ahead of time to streamline the process.
Your Children Will Be Impacted
Many people in their 50s or older will have children in their 20s and 30s. Don’t think that they will weather your divorce better because they aren’t little kids.
Some adult children will accept your divorce right away, feeling relieved that the tension has stopped. Others may refuse to visit until they work out their feelings.
As much as your late life divorce won’t be easy for you, it probably won’t be easy for your children either. It will take time for everyone to adjust to the changes.
Your Friendships May Change
Many divorced people are shocked by changes in their friendships. Some friendships that have lasted for years suddenly end once you are divorced. Other friends might help you through the divorce, but not be there for you when it’s finished. By preparing for this shift, you can weather the changes better.
Plug into new networks through social groups that aren’t always focused on divorce. You’ll make new friends who can help you through a different season of life.
You Can Find New Freedom
Divorce doesn’t mean your life is over. You can find a whole new way of living after divorce.
A skilled and compassionate Florida divorce attorney can assist you in the process. Call today for your free case review. We will help you find the best solution for your needs.